Dryer running but not heating? We fix heating elements, thermal fuses, and igniters. Same-day service, 90-day warranty. Average repair cost: $100–$350. Professional service recommended.
Dryer not heating repair typically costs $100 to $350. This repair requires professional tools and expertise. Most repairs are completed in 1-2 hours with a free diagnostic visit.
San Bruno's mid-century tract homes from the late 1950s across neighborhoods like Crestmoor, Mills Park, and Rollingwood face dryer heating challenges driven by the city's coastal fog exposure and aging housing infrastructure. Summer highs average just 66°F, and frequent fog along the San Bruno Mountain foothills keeps humidity persistently high. Like neighboring South San Francisco, this moisture drives lint compaction inside dryer vent ducts, but San Bruno's slightly warmer microclimate and south-facing hillside orientation provide modest relief compared to the most fog-exposed areas. Homes built around the 1958 median year have compact 1,300-square-foot layouts with vent infrastructure that has served for over 65 years. Crystal Springs Reservoir water through Cal Water at 40 TDS is very soft, keeping mineral impact negligible. With only 5 repair providers, San Bruno draws from the Peninsula network for expanded service options.
San Bruno sits in the Peninsula fog belt with summer highs of 66°F and frequent fog. Mid-century tract homes from the late 1950s have compact layouts with vent infrastructure aged over 65 years. Crystal Springs water at 40 TDS is very soft. The city's coastal humidity drives lint compaction in vent ducts similar to neighboring South San Francisco and Daly City, though the slightly south-facing orientation provides modest relief. Neighborhoods from Crestmoor to Rollingwood show consistent vent-related heating failure patterns.
Burned out heating element
Blown thermal fuse
Faulty gas igniter
Failed thermostat
Restricted vent
The thermal fuse is a one-shot safety device that cuts heating when the dryer overheats. In Bay Area row houses where vent runs exceed 20 feet with multiple elbows, lint accumulates rapidly and triggers overheating. Fog-season humidity makes lint sticky, accelerating blockage.
Cost: $120–$200 | Time: 30-60 minutes
Electric dryer heating coils break from thermal cycling stress. Units in Bay Area homes running extended cycles (due to clothes entering damp from fog exposure) heat more hours annually than dryers in dry climates, shortening element life.
Cost: $150–$280 | Time: 45-75 minutes
Gas dryer ignition solenoids weaken over time, failing to open the gas valve reliably. The dryer starts hot but goes cold mid-cycle as solenoids cannot hold open under reduced coil strength. Common in Oakland and Berkeley homes with gas utility connections.
Cost: $140–$250 | Time: 45-60 minutes
The igniter glows orange but lacks sufficient heat to trigger the gas valve. The dryer runs but produces no heat. Bay Area homes with gas dryers in damp basements see faster igniter degradation from ambient moisture exposure.
Cost: $130–$220 | Time: 45-60 minutes
| Detail | Range |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic | Free |
| Typical repair cost | $100–$350 |
| Repair time | 1-2 hours |
| Warranty | 90 days parts + labor |
Cost varies by root cause. Exact quote after free diagnostic visit.
This repair involves electrical components or sealed systems requiring professional tools and certification.
Bay Area dryer repairs average $150-$350. San Bruno has 5 competing providers including Bay Appliance Inc, Discount HVAC & Appliance Repair, and Appliance Giants. The broader Peninsula market expands options. Diagnostic fees of $89-$129 are waived with approved repair.
In San Bruno, salt-laden marine air and persistent fog deposit corrosive moisture on metal surfaces and electronics. This can affect your appliance's exhaust vent flapper: salt corrosion seizes the exterior vent flapper, trapping lint-laden humid air and increasing fire risk Inspect and lubricate the exterior vent flapper every 6 months; replace plastic flappers with stainless steel
In San Bruno, sustained relative humidity above 60% promotes mold growth, condensation on cold surfaces, and accelerated corrosion. This can affect your appliance's exhaust duct: humid air entering through the exhaust when the dryer is off creates condensation inside the duct, trapping lint into a paste that restricts airflow Install a quality exterior vent cover with a tight-closing flapper; clean the full duct run annually
In San Bruno, very low mineral content (<60 ppm tds) or sodium-softened water causes over-sudsing, rubber swelling, and reduced detergent rinsing. This can affect your appliance's lint filter: excess detergent residue from soft-water washing coats the lint filter mesh with an invisible film, restricting airflow even when the filter appears clean Scrub the lint filter with a soft brush and warm soapy water monthly; hold it under running water — if water pools, the filter is coated
Free diagnostic visit for not heating issues. Same-day appointments available in San Bruno.
Book Free DiagnosticReviewed by Marcus Rivera, Senior Refrigeration & HVAC Technician